We're visiting in Cleveland this week, with our son, his wife, and her family, and I woke up early this Christmas morning. I'm Jewish, so Christmas always has a certain ambiguity for me: Great warmth and good feelings for all my observing friends and relatives, but not really part of it. But, I do find myself thinking of people who have made a difference for my life, and being thankful for them. And you, the members of this list, are part of that, part of my community, people from whom I learn and with whom I share. And occasionally argue.
I'll leave out many folks, but I did want to thank some folks for their gifts to all of us, their contributions to creating and maintaining our community. Dale Brown heads that list, for building our meeting space, and keeping up standards. And Wayne and MJ, for bringing Cirque to Virginia, and building so respectfully on the concept. Some old-timers, like Ted Ernst and Crumpy, who so willingly share of their knowledge - and their stores of parts. Sheldon Brown, for incredible service in helping to create a disciplined collective resource. And so many of you who have sometimes sold things to me, but more often helped me learn new things. I started thinking that I'd name names, and I still want to, but I know I'll forget some. But, please forgive me if I don't mention you, and blame it on senility instead of ill will. Lou Deeter, steadfast and helpful. Joe B-Z, who remembers enough engineering to keep me out of trouble, sometimes. Mike Kone, for following his star and getting the right folk to help with it. Ted Ernst, for all the help on my '38 Paramount. The hard parts, like Paramount axle positioners and NOS block chain and the right Torrington spokes. Nick Z, for hospitality in Atlanta, and Eddie Albert and Mike Schmidt for completely taking me in last April (darnit, guys!). Tony Colegrave, who lovingly recreates the maker's intent. Eddie Albert, for finally finding a bike I couldn't resist. Marty Walsh and Ken Sanford and Tim Fricker Dan Artley and the rest of the locals who do so much for the community, and the list goes on.
To all of you, may we have Peace and great riding next year, in good Health.
harvey sachs
mcLean VA USA